Your kitchen cabinets house a variety of essentials—from your blender to serving pieces and that backstock of chicken broth. But while many items rightfully belong in this space, there probably are a few things you may be storing in your cabinets that simply shouldn’t be there.
It might not feel like a big deal, but improper storage can lead to more than just disorganization—it can actually damage certain things over time. “Your kitchen cabinets are meant to be a space of organization and efficiency, helping you whip up meals,” says Laurie Hise, founder of Passionate Penny Pincher. “But not everything belongs behind those doors!”
According to Hise, some items can be affected by temperature shifts, moisture buildup, or simply make your cabinets harder to navigate. Here, experts share six things you should never store in your kitchen cabinets.
Cookbooks
You use your cookbooks in your kitchen, so storing them in your kitchen cabinets seems like a pretty logical spot. However, Hise advises against this. “Cooking and dishwashing produce humidity that can damage cookbooks and handwritten recipes by warping pages or causing moisture issues,” she explains.
She recommends storing your cookbooks in a dry, cool location away from these sources of humidity and heat. “Consider a bookshelf in an adjacent dining room or a designated kitchen nook for storage.”
Paper Tableware
Whether you’re too busy to do the dishes or you’re simply too tired to do a major clean-up, it’s hard to deny the convenience of paper tableware like napkins, plates, and cups. But if you don’t store them in the right place, you risk ruining them.
“Paper plates and napkins need a dry spot, like a pantry or high shelf,” explains Hise. “Steer clear of humid areas to prevent flimsy plates, damp napkins, and possible mold.”
Paper Towels
Many of us store paper towels in our kitchen cabinets, so it might not seem problematic, but Jessica Litman of The Organized Mama says there’s a smarter spot for this kitchen staple.
“I know, doesn’t sound like a big deal, but if that lower cabinet is around water, and things spill, guess what happens to the paper towel?” she points out. Instead, Litman recommends storing them in a pantry or cabinet away from areas with water.
Spices
While it doesn’t make sense to store those spices anywhere but the kitchen, you shouldn’t just keep them in any cabinet spot. Hise suggests making sure your spices are fresh and tasty by keeping them away from the stove and any steamy spots.
“Store them in a cool, dry place like a drawer, a cabinet away from heat, or a countertop rack,” she recommends. “Heat and steam kill the flavor, and don’t let them last as long.”
Cleaning Products and Chemicals
While it’s perfectly fine to leave dish soap by the sink, not all cleaning supplies should be that easy to access, says Katie Dills, president of The Cleaning Authority.
“Many commercially available cleaning products contain harsh chemicals, so you risk accidental contamination if you store these products near any food, cookware, or utensils,” she explains. “Additionally, the cabinet is a safety risk for children or pets if it’s easily accessible.”
Bulk Oils
Did you pick up one of those massive jugs of olive oil or avocado oil at your local warehouse store? While it might be a good deal, it will ultimately be a waste if it goes bad.
“Bulk oils can go rancid quickly, especially if stored near the oven or in a warm cabinet,” says Litman. “Instead, keep a small bottle out, and store extras in a cool pantry or basement.”
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